A school hall might host an exam on Monday, a training day on Wednesday and a fundraising dinner on Saturday. Church halls, community centres and multipurpose office rooms work the same way. Folding tables make that possible, as they set up quickly, pack down flat and leave the floor clear between bookings.
This guide compares trestle, folding-leg and flip-top tables, then covers sizes, tops, weight, storage, castors and chairs. The six tables come from our folding and flip-top tables range, and every spec is taken from the product pages.
Choosing folding tables: trestle, folding-leg or flip-top
Folding tables come in three broad types, and each suits a different routine.
- Trestle tables have legs that fold flat under the top. They pack down to a slim slab that stacks, which suits halls and event venues.
- Folding-leg tables have a hinged frame under an office-style top. They look at home in a training room or office that is reset now and then.
- Flip-top tables stay on their castors. The top tips up so the tables can roll away and nest together, which suits rooms that change layout during the day.
The table below compares the six tables in this guide.
| Table | Type | Size | Top | Weight or folded height | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan 1830x760 Trestle Table (Pack of 10) | Trestle | 1830 x 760 x 740mm | Blow moulded polyethylene | 18kg | Price covers 10 tables; supplied assembled |
| Brooklyn 1830mm x 760mm Trestle Table (Pack of 5) | Trestle | 1830 x 760mm, 760mm high | ABS bullnose edge, Wenge or White | 30kg; folds to 105mm high | Price covers 5 tables |
| Daytona Folding Table | Folding legs | 1500 or 1800 x 750mm, 745mm high | 25mm, oak or white | Not stated | Black powder-coated frame |
| Lachlan Folding Utility Table | Folding legs | 750 x 500mm, 725mm high | ABS with pencil tray | 9kg | Trolley available |
| Ascend Flip Table | Flip-top on castors | 1200 to 1800mm long, 600 or 750mm deep | 25mm worktop | Not stated | Nests; height set by a technician |
| Rapid Edge Folding Table | Folding, on locking castors | 2400 x 1000mm, 743mm high | Slimline, Driftwood or White | Not stated | Pair of table links included |
Trestle tables for halls and events
The Manhattan 1830x760 Trestle Table (Pack of 10) ($2,216) is sold as a pack, and the price covers 10 tables. Each has a shock proof, blow moulded polyethylene top on a powder coated steel frame with welded joints. The tables are strong yet light at 18kg each. Plastic clips hold the folded legs in place, and slip resistant fasteners let the tables stack securely.
The Manhattan is made for indoor commercial use and arrives assembled, with replaceable feet and a 2 year warranty.
The Brooklyn 1830mm x 760mm Trestle Table (Pack of 5) ($3,749) is sold as a pack of five, and the price covers 5 tables. It weighs 30kg but folds to just 105mm high, and a spring locking mechanism and adjustable feet keep it steady on uneven surfaces. A T-moulded ABS resin bullnose edge protects against wear. It comes in Wenge or White with a 10 Year Commercial Warranty.
As a rough guide, an 1830mm trestle seats six people, three along each side, or eight at a squeeze with one at each end.
Folding-leg tables for training rooms and exams
The Daytona Folding Table (from $263) looks like a regular office table but packs away when the room needs the floor space. It has a 25mm top in oak or white on a black powder-coated metal frame. It comes 1500mm or 1800mm wide, both 750mm deep and 745mm high, with a 5 year warranty.
For exams and temporary classrooms, the Lachlan Folding Utility Table ($154) is a folding exam desk measuring 750mm wide, 500mm deep and 725mm high. It weighs 9kg, with a solid steel frame, a tough ABS top and a built-in pencil tray. Its page lists exam rooms, temporary classrooms and outdoor use.
Flip-top tables and castors
Castors change how a room is reset. Instead of lifting and carrying, people tip the top up and roll the table to the wall.
The Ascend Flip Table (from $521) is a flip-top training table on large easy-roll castors, and the tables nest together for storage. Its flip mechanism includes a safety lock. A technician can set the height in 40mm increments from 600mm to 840mm, so the table suits all age groups. It has an 80KG weight rating, eight sizes from 1200 x 600mm to 1800 x 750mm and a 10-Year Warranty.
For a full-size meeting table that still folds away, the Rapid Edge Folding Table ($1,236) measures 2400 x 1000mm and 743mm high. Locking castors let you move it and hold it in place, and a pair of table links is included. The slimline top comes in Driftwood or White with black rubber edging, on a black and chrome frame, with a 5 year warranty.
Storing folding tables and pairing them with chairs
Storage is where folding tables earn their keep. Trestles fold flat and stack, flip-top tables nest on their castors, and smaller tables can travel on a trolley made for them.
The Lachlan Trolley (from $866) is designed to suit the Lachlan Folding Utility Table. It comes in two sizes, to carry 18 or 36 tables, and the tables are sold separately. Measure the storeroom door and floor space before choosing the larger size. More trolleys for tables and chairs are in our chair accessories and trolleys range.
Folding tables pair naturally with stackable chairs, which clear away just as quickly. Browse our stacking and event chairs to match, and see our guide to training room furniture for flip-top tables, chairs and lecterns working together.
Folding tables in Australian schools, halls and venues
Australian school halls often double as exam rooms, assembly spaces and venues for end-of-year events, while church and community halls host everything from meetings to functions. Outdoor events are common for much of the year, so check each table's intended use. The Lachlan's page lists outdoor use, while the Manhattan is made for indoor commercial use.
- Delivery. Each product page has a Delivery line naming its metro cities. The Manhattan and Brooklyn list Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide and are not available for delivery in WA. The other five products here also list Perth.
- Assembly. The Manhattan is supplied assembled and the Brooklyn needs assembly. Other goods arrive flat-packed unless the product page says assembled, and delivery is to the ground-floor entrance.
Folding tables — frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a trestle table and a flip-top table?
A trestle table's legs fold flat under the top so it can be carried and stacked. A flip-top table stays on castors, and its top tips up so the tables roll away and nest together.
How many people fit at an 1830mm trestle table?
As a rough guide, six people, three along each side. Eight can fit at a squeeze with one at each end.
How heavy is a folding trestle table?
It depends on the build. The Manhattan 1830x760 weighs 18kg, and the Brooklyn 1830mm weighs 30kg.
How should folding tables be stored?
Fold and stack trestles, nest flip-top tables on their castors, or use a trolley made for the table. The Lachlan Trolley carries 18 or 36 Lachlan tables.
Shop the range
Every product in this guide is listed below in the order it appears. For more tables, browse our office tables range.
- Manhattan 1830x760 Trestle Table (Pack of 10) ($2,216): ten light plastic-top trestles for halls and functions, priced per pack
- Brooklyn 1830mm x 760mm Trestle Table (Pack of 5) ($3,749): five trestles that fold to 105mm high, priced per pack
- Daytona Folding Table (from $263): an office-style folding table with a 25mm top for training rooms
- Lachlan Folding Utility Table ($154): a 9kg folding exam desk with a built-in pencil tray
- Ascend Flip Table (from $521): a nesting flip-top table on castors for classrooms and training spaces
- Rapid Edge Folding Table ($1,236): a 2400mm folding meeting table on locking castors, with table links
- Lachlan Trolley (from $866): carries 18 or 36 Lachlan tables for storage and transport
Metro delivery is a flat $75 per order, and prices include GST.
